Federal Student Aid, an office of the U.S. Department of Education, plays a central and essential role in America's postsecondary education community. Our core mission is to ensure that all eligible individuals benefit from federal financial assistance - grants, loans and work-study programs—for education beyond high school. The Federal Student Aid team is passionately committed to making education beyond high school more attainable for all Americans, regardless of socioeconomic status. By championing access to postsecondary education, we uphold its value as a force for greater inclusion in American society and for the continued vitality of America as a nation.

The programs we administer comprise the nation's largest source of student aid. Every year we provide more than $150 billion in new aid to nearly 14 million postsecondary students and their families. Among our most visible and essential services are the development, distribution, and processing of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSASM), the form used to apply for all federal, as well as for many state, regional and private student aid programs. Each year approximately 14 million FAFSAs are processed.

The aid from our programs allows students and their families to cover school expenses, including tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and transportation. To receive federal student aid, a student must be enrolled in an eligible program at participating postsecondary institution, whether it be a two- or four-year public or private college or university, career school, or trade school.

There are three basic types of federal student aid: grants, loans, and work-study.

Grants do not have to be repaid. Sometimes they are referred to as gift aid. Generally, grants are for undergraduate students, and the grant amount is based on the student's financial need, as determined by the information reported on the FAFSA, cost of attendance, and enrollment status. There are six federal grants:

Cal Grants are one of the smartest ways to get cash for college. For starters, its money you don't have to pay back. If you're a graduating high school senior or recent graduate, meet academic, financial and eligibility requirements and submit two forms by the Cal Grant deadline, you may receive a Cal Grant!

What is the Cal Grant deadline?

You must apply by March 2 to maximize your opportunity to receive an award.

If you miss the March 2 Cal Grant deadline AND you plan to attend a community college in the fall, you have until September 2 to apply. However, the number of Cal Grant awards is limited.

How Much Money Are We Talking About?

With a Cal Grant you can get up to $11,124 a year to pay for college expenses at any qualifying California college, university or career or technical school in California. Depending on which Cal Grant you get, the money can be used for tuition, room and board, even books and pencils. The best part is, it's yours to keep and you don't have to pay it back.

Here's How to Apply.

Submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) between January 1 and September 2 and submit a verified Cal Grant GPA anytime between November and the September 2 deadline. If you meet the income, eligibility, and GPA requirements, the cash is yours. The best part is, you can fill out the FAFSA online.

To submit a verified Cal Grant GPA, first check with your school to see if they will do it for you. If not, you can go online and download a GPA Verification form, fill out the student section and take it to your school.

PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT ANY CAL GRANT AWARD IS TENTATIVE AND SUBJECT TO FINAL APPROVAL OF THE STATE BUDGET ACT.

What are Cal Grants?

Cal Grants are free money for college that is awarded to students who meet eligibility, income and academic requirements. The money can be used to attend any California Community C When can I apply for a Cal Grant?

You must apply between January 1st and March 2nd of your senior year in high school (or get your GED), or between January 1st and March 2nd of the year after you graduate from high school (or get your GED). For students attending community colleges, you have until September 2nd to apply, although the number of Cal Grant awards is limited. College, Cal State University, University of California, private college, and most career technical or vocational schools. The best thing of all, the money does not have to be paid back!